IAEA Inspections in Libya Making Progress

2004/01

IAEA inspectors have been making rapid and steady progress in their nuclear verification efforts in Libya. They have benefited from a high level of cooperation from the Libyan authorities.

In a note to its Member States today, the IAEA said that inspectors have just completed the initial phase of their work, which included conducting an inventory of sensitive nuclear components and materials, the application of IAEA seals and working with US and UK personnel who, with the agreement of the Libyan authorities, provided logistical support to remove these materials from the country. Sensitive items have been removed under IAEA supervision and remain under IAEA seal and oversight. The IAEA is grateful for the support provided by these countries.

A team of IAEA inspectors, including centrifuge and weaponization experts, remain in Libya continuing their work. In the coming weeks, IAEA inspectors will be undertaking verification work on nuclear components, equipment and materials inside Libya and on items which have been removed.